[Bib Overalls]

I am in the middle of adapting a Lincoln axle for use in a hot rod.

Here are some things I have learned and some things that I have done.

1. The Lincoln axle is to wide for use in most hot rods. The bosses for the spring perches are also to wide apart. Greg Haynes, who posts as 296 V8 on the HAMB, narrowed mine so the perch bosses are the same distance apart as a 28-36 Ford axle. Overall king pin width is now 48". Perfect for most hot rods (picture).

2. Lincoln spindles have the same brake backing plate bolt pattern as 37-48 Ford. You can use Ford hydraulic backing plates on Lincoln spindles and Lincoln brakes on Ford spindles.

3. Early Lincoln spindles have the same snout as 37-48 Ford spindles. You can use Ford hydraulic brakes with Ford hubs and drums on these spindles.

4. Later Lincoln spindles have a longer snout but still use the same bearings and grease seals as Ford. You can use Ford hubs and drums on the later spindles by machining the ends of the snout to match a standard Ford.

5. The Lincoln wishbones have a more acute "knuckle" angle. This an be an advantage when using split bones. Top axle is Lincoln, middle 37-41, and bottom is 42-48 (upside down).

6. The spring perch hole in the Lincoln axle is the same size as the one in a Ford axle. You can use 28-34 spring perches with the Lincoln axle for a spring over configuration.

7. The king pin bosses on a Lincoln axle are 2 5/16" tall. 28-31 and 37-48 Ford are 2 1/4" tall. With a bit of file work you can use the Lincoln axle with 28-31 and 37-48 wishbones. With a little machine work you can use them with the 2" 32-36 wishbones.

I will be using the reproduction "39" Lincoln brakes made by MT Products on my Lincoln spindles. I will also use their hubs and 2" wide drums.

If my axle and spindles came with good brakes I would use them instead.

Bib

PS Don't put your Lincoln stuff on the curb. Send me a PM instead.